Morocco in One Week
Exploring Morocco in a week offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and landscapes. This itinerary focuses on the imperial cities and a touch of the Sahara, providing a glimpse into the country's rich heritage and stunning natural beauty.
Day 1-2: Marrakech
Activities:
Day 1: Explore the medina, including the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Saadian Tombs. Wander through the vibrant souks and visit the Bahia Palace.
Day 2: Relax in the Majorelle Garden, visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and explore the Marrakech Museum and the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Transport: Marrakech is walkable in the city center, but taxis are available for longer distances. From the airport, a taxi to the medina takes about 15-30 minutes.
Day 3: Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate
Activities:
Travel to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Kasbahs and as a filming location for many movies. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Transport: Rent a car or take a bus/tour from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou (about 3-4 hours) and then to Ouarzazate (another 30 minutes).
Day 4-5: Merzouga and Sahara Desert
Activities:
Day 4: Head to Merzouga. Enjoy a camel trek in the late afternoon to a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience a night under the stars.
Day 5: Watch the sunrise over the dunes. Return to Merzouga. Consider a visit to the local market or a quad biking tour around the dunes.
Transport: Ouarzazate to Merzouga can be a long drive (about 6 hours), so starting early is advisable. Renting a car or joining a guided tour is the best option.
Day 6: Fes
Activities:
Travel to Fes. In the evening, explore the medina, one of the world’s largest walled cities, and see the famous Bab Boujloud gate.
Transport: The journey from Merzouga to Fes takes about 7-8 hours by car. Public buses are available but less convenient due to the long distances.
Day 7: Fes
Activities:
Visit the Al Attarine Madrasa, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the Chouara Tannery. Explore the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and the Royal Palace gates. Enjoy the panoramic view from the Merenid Tombs.
Transport: Fes's medina is best explored on foot. Taxis are available for reaching sites outside the medina.
Travel Tips
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs are widely available in cities.
Language: Arabic is the official language, with French widely spoken. English is commonly understood in tourist areas.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Morocco is a Muslim country, and respectful attire is appreciated.
Safety: Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas. Negotiate taxi fares in advance or insist on the meter.
This one-week itinerary offers a vibrant exploration of Morocco’s imperial cities, the majestic Sahara, and the rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes that make this country a fascinating destination.
Morocco in Two Weeks
Exploring Morocco in two weeks allows you to dive deeper into its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. This itinerary includes the imperial cities, the Sahara Desert, coastal towns, and the Atlas Mountains, offering a comprehensive Moroccan experience.
Week 1: Imperial Cities and the Sahara Desert
Day 1-2: Casablanca and Rabat
Activities: In Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque and stroll along the Corniche. Head to Rabat to explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
Transport: Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport is the main entry point. Take a train or drive to Rabat (about 1 hour).
Day 3-4: Meknes and Volubilis
Activities: Explore the historic city of Meknes and its sites like Bab Mansour and Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis nearby.
Transport: From Rabat to Meknes by train takes about 2 hours. Volubilis can be reached by taxi or a guided tour from Meknes (about 30 minutes).
Day 5-7: Fes and Ifrane
Activities: Spend two days in Fes visiting the medina, Al-Qarawiyyin University, and the tanneries. Take a day trip to Ifrane, known as the "Switzerland of Morocco," and explore the nearby cedar forests in the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Transport: Meknes to Fes by train is about 1 hour. Ifrane can be accessed by bus or taxi from Fes (about 1 hour).
Week 2: Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, and Marrakech
Day 8-9: Merzouga and the Sahara Desert
Activities: Travel to Merzouga for an overnight camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience a night in a desert camp under the stars.
Transport: Fes to Merzouga is a long drive (about 7 hours). Consider breaking the journey in Midelt or taking a direct bus or guided tour.
Day 10-11: Todra Gorge and Ouarzazate
Activities: Visit the Todra Gorge for its dramatic canyon landscapes. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara, and visit the Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Film Studios.
Transport: Merzouga to Todra Gorge takes about 2 hours, with another 4 hours to Ouarzazate. A car rental or guided tour is recommended.
Day 12-14: Marrakech
Activities: Explore Marrakech's medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Majorelle Garden, and the Saadian Tombs. Consider a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, visiting the village of Imlil or the Ouzoud Waterfalls.
Transport: Ouarzazate to Marrakech is about 4 hours by bus or car. Marrakech can be explored on foot, by taxi, or using the city's buses for longer distances.
Additional Options:
Essaouira (2 Days)
If time allows, visit the coastal town of Essaouira for its relaxed atmosphere, historic medina, and fresh seafood. Essaouira can be reached from Marrakech by bus (about 3 hours).
Agadir (2 Days)
For beach lovers, consider adding Agadir to your itinerary. Known for its beaches and surf spots, it's about a 3-hour drive from Essaouira.
Travel Tips
Language: Arabic and Berber are the official languages, with French widely spoken. English is commonly used in tourist areas.
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs are available in cities, but carrying cash is advisable in remote areas.
Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Lightweight clothing is suitable for the heat, with layers for cooler evenings, especially in the desert or mountains.
Safety: Be cautious in crowded areas and mindful of your belongings. Negotiate taxi fares in advance or ensure the meter is used.
This two-week itinerary offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the hustle of imperial cities to the serene beauty of the Sahara and the refreshing Atlantic coast, providing a well-rounded exploration of Morocco's multifaceted charm.
Morocco in Three Weeks
Week 1: Imperial Cities
Day 1-3: Casablanca and Rabat
Activities: Start in Casablanca with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque and stroll along the Corniche. Head to Rabat to explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
Transport: Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport is the main entry point. Trains connect Casablanca to Rabat in about 1 hour.
Day 4-5: Meknes and Volubilis
Activities: In Meknes, visit Bab Mansour and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Transport: Train or bus from Rabat to Meknes takes about 2 hours. Volubilis can be accessed by a short taxi ride from Meknes.
Day 6-7: Fes
Activities: Delve into the Fes medina, see the Al-Qarawiyyin University, and visit the Chouara Tannery. Explore the Merenid Tombs for a city view.
Transport: Fes is about 1 hour from Meknes by train or bus.
Week 2: Desert and Mountains
Day 8-10: Merzouga and Sahara Desert
Activities: Travel to Merzouga for a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Spend a night in a desert camp and visit local Berber villages.
Transport: Bus or private car from Fes to Merzouga takes about 7-8 hours.
Day 11-12: Dades and Todra Gorges
Activities: Hike in the Dades and Todra gorges, with their stunning rock formations.
Transport: Merzouga to Dades Gorge takes about 4 hours by car. Todra Gorge is about 1 hour from Dades.
Day 13-14: Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou
Activities: Visit the Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate. Explore the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou.
Transport: About 2 hours from Dades Gorge to Ouarzazate by car. Ait Benhaddou is about 30 minutes from Ouarzazate.
Week 3: Coast and Marrakech
Day 15-16: Essaouira
Activities: Relax in the laid-back coastal town of Essaouira, explore its medina, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Transport: Ouarzazate to Essaouira is a long drive (about 6 hours). Consider breaking the journey in Marrakech.
Day 17-18: Agadir
Activities: Visit the beaches of Agadir, explore the Kasbah, and enjoy the local markets.
Transport: Essaouira to Agadir by bus takes about 3 hours.
Day 19-21: Marrakech
Activities: Return to Marrakech. Explore the medina, Majorelle Garden, and the Saadian Tombs. Take a cooking class or a hot air balloon ride. Consider a day trip to the Atlas Mountains.
Transport: Agadir to Marrakech by bus takes about 3 hours. Marrakech can be explored on foot, by taxi, or using the city's buses for longer distances.
Travel Tips:
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs are widely available in cities, but carrying cash is advisable in remote areas.
Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Lightweight clothing is suitable for the heat, with layers for cooler evenings, especially in the desert or mountains.
Safety: Be cautious in crowded areas and mindful of your belongings. Negotiate taxi fares in advance or ensure the meter is used.
Language: Arabic and Berber are the official languages, with French widely spoken. English is commonly used in tourist areas.
This three-week itinerary offers a deep dive into Morocco's imperial history, desert adventures, mountain landscapes, and coastal relaxation, ensuring a rich and varied travel experience.
